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Take the ACES Challenge to support our Everyday Heroes.

The Australian Combined Emergency Services (ACES) football team comprises first responders from around the nation. Every Anzac Day they come together to play against the Australian Defence Force All-stars, raising awareness of the need to support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency services members: fire, police, ambulance and corrections, career and volunteer. This campaign is supported by MESHA and aims to raise funds to provide vital mental health and wellbeing programs, counselling and workshops to emergency service personnel and their families, nationally.

Please donate now, then scroll down to take the #ACESChallange!

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Thank you for supporting MESHA through the ACES Challenge!

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Scientist smiling

4 days ago

$50

Wendy Trimper
Donated to the appeal

Good luck, play hard, and take care of your bodies

4 days ago

$50

Anonymous
Donated to the appeal

5 days ago

$120

Bev Allen
Donated to the appeal

Thank you all.

6 days ago

$50

Nicole Hechler
Donated to the appeal

The daily challenges have risen and mental health education and support is a necessity.

20 days ago

$80

Robyn Baseley
Donated to the appeal

You are our super heroes. Thank you ☺️

20 days ago

$50

Dianne Modra
Donated to the appeal

24 days ago

$120

Bev H
Donated to the appeal

Grateful for all of our emergency service members.

24 days ago

$30

Anonymous
Donated to the appeal

24 days ago

$20

Marilyn L
Donated to the appeal

Love all that you do! Keep up the awesome work - greatly appreciated!

24 days ago

$120

Dalibor Skocibusic
Donated to the appeal

Take the ACES Challenge!

Emergency service workers face incredible challenges every day. The #ACESChallenge is here to raise awareness about their mental health, and support MESHA – the organisation that supports them. Can you stay stoic in the face of distractions? Take the challenge. Tag your mates. Let’s make a difference!

Instructions for Participants

1. Have your ‘distractions’ ready. We recommend doing a dry run.

2. Face the camera and read the script – make sure there is some distractions in the background and stay stoic until the end as distractions build.

3. As the video goes on distractions start to build around you. Kids, friends, family doing their best to throw you off your game. Get creative with distractions around you (think water pistols, silly string, whipped cream, shaving cream, water ballons, party poppers, footballs…) – have fun, but stay safe!

4. Keep it real, 1 take and if you laugh that’s OK.

5. Tag 3 friends and challenge them to stay stoic. Tag them in the video & post text.

6. Post your video on social media with:
#ACESChallenge #MESHA and https://mesha.org.au/aces-challenge-2025/

Want to donate? Click here and support mental health in emergency services!
ACES Footballer and ADF All Star Footballer with their arms around each others shoulders smiling for the camera.

Photo credit: Jeffrey Way

The #ACESChallenge Script

Hi, my name is …………… (I’m a ……… Officer)

I accept the ACES Challenge.

Everyday, emergency service staff across Australia face challenging, violent, and traumatic situations. It’s tough having to be stoic all the time, especially with increasing stress and distractions.

(Distractions start and build up as you read.)

We want our first responders—our colleagues, mates, and family—to feel safe seeking support when they need it.

Join us at the ACES ANZAC Challenge on April 26 at Adelaide Oval and help us raise awareness for mental health in the emergency services with MESHA!

Check out ACES and Military Emergency Services Health Australia online. Together, we can make a difference!

I challenge ………, ……… and ……… to take on the #ACESChallenge and spread the message!”

Coach Daniel does the ACES Challenge

ACES Coach Daniel Havelberg does the #ACESChallenge!

About MESHA

We are only able to operate thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters.

Your donations enable us to deliver high quality research and programs to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of our Defence, Emergency Services and Veteran communities. 

Thank you for your generosity.  

Police Officer crouches down and is smiling and talking to child on an oval.

“The work that MESHA does and the education that MESHA programs provide help me rationalise what was going on with myself and…saved me.”

No Australian first responder, colleague, or family member should struggle alone. Your support gives them strength when they need it.
The ACES Footy team in a huddle, arms around each others shoulders.

Join us & donate today.

We are only able to operate thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters.
Your donations enable us to deliver high quality research and programs to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of our Defence, Emergency Services and Veteran communities.

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